Stories: Instagram VS. Snapchat

August 2, 2016

We all know the names Instagram and Snapchat. Most of us even know that they are competing digital companies. However, not all really understand how technology companies compete and how to respond to their products and updates.

I can assume by the vast popularity of Snapchat and Facebook's Instagram that anyone reading this blog knows where this is going. As of August 2, 2016 Instagram launched their new feature called ‘Instagram Stories’ and for many like myself it has an eerily familiar feel to it. It’s almost as if Instagram took Snapchat Stories, threw it on their interface and called it their own.

What if I told you that’s exactly what they did and they aren’t ashamed to say it?

Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom openly admitted to copying Snapchat Stories and said, “Snapchat deserves all the credit.” For me, this honestly isn’t a big deal. However, the general consensus is that many don’t like how they blatantly took Snapchat’s idea and implemented it.

First and foremost, let’s acknowledge that the idea that copying another companies “format or idea” is not new. Let’s take Twitter’s #Hashtag, although it was first used on Twitter it has since been adopted by almost all social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and even Google+. Was there a fuss about all the other companies blatantly taking Twitter’s #Hashtag? No, want to know why? The #Hashtag was understood as one of the easiest ways to see trending topics and for others to join conversations about things taking place all over the world. All digital companies that want to succeed can and should adopt the best way for its consumers to use their product and communicate to others. As you can see, this isn’t a new trend and Instagram wasn’t the first, nor will it be the last, social media giant that uses another company’s great idea.

Is this trend bad for us? Not at all. People can still use whatever app they prefer or they can use both. This friendly competition increases the need for companies to innovate and keep improving their products. The update has only been out for two days and is easier to navigate which benefits Instagram’s older demographic. It also consists of buttons for most of its commands instead of Snapchat's ‘Swiping’ motions. Together, digital companies will realize what works and what doesn’t. It doesn’t matter if they "copy" each other. At the end of the day, if they improve their concepts and make the social media landscape better for everyone, they're #winning.

Never miss an update from “The Shoppe,” sign up for our email list today!

We respect your privacy.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

NewFronts and Upfronts 2025

May 28, 2025

For decades, TV Networks and Media outlets have used this time of year to announce large-scale changes launching in the coming months. Known as Upfronts and NewFronts, these events serve as the catalyst for change within the advertising industry. Upfronts tends to cater more towards television, streaming sites, etc., while NewFronts features social media’s household names like Meta and Snapchat. Read on to see what the biggest names in streaming, social media and television have in the works.

Marketing Trend Tracker - Series 19

May 15, 2025

The rapidly changing world of marketing and technology is ushering in significant trends reshaping how brands connect with audiences. Recently, established companies have been venturing into standalone app creation to address niche consumer needs, as seen with Instagram's "Edits" app for video creators and Instacart's "Fizz" app simplifying party planning. Meanwhile, advertising options are rapidly expanding both online and in-store, with Hy-Vee's partnership with Grocery TV revolutionizing retail media and LinkedIn launching advanced video ad tools to capitalize on rising engagement. Together, these developments underscore a broader shift towards personalized, data-driven strategies. Read on to see how companies are meeting the growing expectations of today’s consumers.

Public Relations and Marketing: Better Together

May 6, 2025

Marketing attracts your audience. Public Relations (PR) earns their trust. Alone, they're valuable. Together? They're pure gold. But too often, these two essential teams often work in isolation, leaving incredible opportunities on the table. It's time to move beyond these separate efforts and learn how to align them and embrace the power of their unified strength.

Marketing Trend Tracker - Series 18

April 28, 2025

This installment of the Trend Tracker Series examines how the Gen Z effect is reshaping brand strategies around the world.

Size Matters: 2025 Social Sizing Guide

April 22, 2025

Perfecting your social media game starts with nailing one key detail: sizing. From profile pics to post images, every platform has unique size requirements. To make your content shine, you need to know these dimensions inside and out. Want to become a pro at perfecting post sizes? Check out these tips and tools to level up your social media game! Mastering social media sizes in 2025 doesn’t mean memorizing every pixel. Instead, cheat sheets are your best friend! Hootsuite’s updated 2025 guide offers a detailed list of image sizes across platforms, covering all your organic social media needs.

The Best Times To Post In 2025

April 21, 2025

The landscape of social media user activity continues to evolve in 2025, bringing new opportunities to fine-tune your posting strategy. Knowing when your audience is most active can help boost your organic reach. Across social media, the best time to post is on mid-week days, Wednesday and Thursday, from 7 am to 9am, 1 pm to 3 pm, and 7 pm to 9 pm. However, platforms tend to differ in what times are optimal. Check out the results from the following social media sites: